To all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
— John 1:12-13
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We live in a time and culture of rights. "It's my right to ___." Just fill in the blank. But we don't have a right to be God's child. We are given that right by God's grace. This right came to us at great cost to God. Jesus, God the Son, came to earth, lived, died and was raised from the dead. We receive this grace through faith: God gives us new birth as we trust in Jesus as Lord and we are baptized and reborn through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7). To be born of God — to be born from above, to be "born again" — is the gift of adoption into God's family. This costly adoption brings us all the rights of full heirs in God's family (Galatians 3:26-29; Galatians 4:1-7). Let's not take this grace, this blessing, this adoption, this right, for granted! We are God's children right now (1 John 3:1-3). Let's give thanks for this grace and live like we belong by reflecting our Father's righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful loving-kindness.
Video Commentary...
We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Abba Father, thank you for adopting me into your family. May my life reflect your influence, character, mercy, holiness, compassion, righteousness, and love. I want to be like you, my Father. I want to live like Jesus, my older brother who paid my adoption price. Just as I was born into your family by the power of the Holy Spirit, please fill me more with your Spirit and transform me to be more like Jesus in all I do and say this day. In the name of my older brother Jesus I pray. Amen.
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Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, July 31, 2010
"Dear Beloved,
You are reading from a letter the apostle Paul wrote to believers in Rome. They lived in the seat of the Roman Empire's government and...."
"Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty...acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own..."
"Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me [O Lord] from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of you right..."
"Some of you were once [living sinful lives]. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus..."
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About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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